By power metal standards, Germany's Powerwolf are quite a youthful act having 'only' formed in 2003 yet very swiftly, they have effortlessly ascended up the ranks of success in the genre. Two years ago, they sold out Camden's Underworld at their first London show and now they are back Islington's roomierO2 Academy. Unsurprisingly, voluminous hordes of power metal enthusiasts have amassed outside the venue in advance of the doors opening and once inside, moving around is an intimate affair.
Support is from fellow countrymen Orden Organ, a power metal band spawned in 1996 but enjoying their debut appearance in London today. Meandering optimistic melodies with a hint of folk are paired up or harmonised to create a rich soundscape with an unconventionally heavy drum sound and taped keyboards. Unluckily the drums are exceedingly loud, entirely overwhelming the guitars and massacring the Germans' sound. Nonetheless, the audience salvages satisfaction from the set as the band headbangs though the likes of 'F.E.V.E.R.', 'Ravenhead' and 'We Are Pirates', the latter acutely winning the crowd's favour, due to power metal's keen embrace of all things pirate over the past few years. Finishing with 'The Things We Believe In', Orden Organ leave the stage with smiles on their faces as well as the fans'.
Back by a banner presenting the artwork of their new album 'Blessed and Possessed', Powerwolf storm into the title track of this release. Galloping rhythms, an ecclesiastical organ-sounding keyboard and the comparatively deep voice of singer Attila Dorn barking in English and Latin instantly enlivens the venue. The guitar work is generally speedy with more thought-out and memorable riffs than their modern power metal peers construct. Their dynamic take on metal lends itself perfectly to sing-alongs, chants and headbanging even for those entirely unfamiliar with the music; it is not surprising how rapidly this band have been embraced by power metallers by eschewing the clichés of the genre.
'Blood of the Saints' and 'Preachers of the Night' are profoundly represented tonight inclusive of the punchy 'Amen & Attack', the humorous 'Resurrection by Erection', fan favourite 'Dead Boys Don't Cry' and the mid-tempo 'We Drink Your Blood' all bolstered further by fans singing along. New songs 'Armata Strigori' and 'Army of the Night' may not veer into virgin musical territory but secure commendable responses from the crowd. The stage presence of the band is theatrical with each member bedecked in black and white face paint.Interplay between Dorn and keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegal maintains attention in addition to efficacious crowd interaction.
After 'Lupus Dei', the headliners abscond the stage but by the conspicuous exclusion of some tracks, an encore is evident. Returning with the bombastic 'Sanctified with Dynamite' is an excellent decision as die-hards croon along to each word. Their native-tongued 'Kreuzfeuer' follows before the evening is capped with the insistent 'All We Need is Blood', rounding off Powerwolf's performance explosively, much to the spectators' delight. Once again, the German wolves have proffered an illustrious liturgy that will be cemented in the memories of those present for a long time. It would not be startling if their next pilgrimage to London sees them gracing an even larger venue.
FUTURE GIGS
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